Immigration reform should become priority

September 26, 2013

President Barack Obama and Congress got what they viewed as a break on illegal immigration for a few years. It decreased, giving them an excuse to do little about it.

But even during that period, analysts warned the tide of people coming across our borders would swell again - for a very good reason. Most illegal immigrants come to this country for jobs, it was pointed out. During the recession, there was less incentive for them.

Now, slowly but hopefully surely, the country is recovering. And guess what - illegal immigration has increased.

Analysts say the country contained about 11.3 million illegal immigrants in 2009. The number increased to 11.7 million last year.

So the vacation is over for policymakers. Immigration reform needs to be moved back to the front burner in Washington.